Sony 16.2 Megapixels Cyber-Shot DSC-HX7V Review by PB

On January 5 2011, Sony announced five new 16.2 Megapixels Cyber-shot digital still cameras - models DSC-TX100V, DSC-TX10, DSC-HX7V, DSC-WX10 and DSC-WX9. These cameras features a "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor and are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. Other features include:

Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills and movies

Sony® G lens with 10x optical zoom in a compact camera body

Fast capture with up to 10fps at full 16.2 Megapixels resolution; "Exmor R" CMOS sensor for exceptional low-light performance

3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama modes change the way you view your world

GPS and Compass record shot location and direction

The DSC-HX7V is available in black, white, red and blue colors. It's currently selling at around $267. Here's the summary of review by PhotographyBLOG, giving the camera a rating of 4.5 out of 5:

"The Sony CyberShot DSC-HX7V is a great alternative to the more expensive HX9V, our favourite travel-zoom, featuring a more modest 10x zoom, slightly slower autofocus, and "only" 1080i video, but otherwise offering all of the same cutting-edge features, great image quality and intuitive handling as the HX9V. Sony have been able to maintain the excellent image quality that the previous 10 megapixel HX5 offered despite the move to a 16 megapixel sensor. The backlit sensor provides excellent results from ISO 100-800, with only the fastest settings of 1600 and 3200 suffering from too much noise and smearing of fine detail. Chromatic aberrations are well controlled and colours accurate, and the 25-250mm lens commendably doesn't suffer from too much distortion at either end of the zoom range. The HX7V's Manual mode lets you set a shutter speed of up to 30 seconds for effective night-time shooting, although I missed the Aperture and Shutter Priority modes that several rivals offer, and only having two possible apertures in Manual mode does somewhat limit what you can achieve. As with the HX9V, we also missed support for the RAW format, which really would have been the icing on the prosumer cake. Sony's ever popular Sweep Panorama mode now offers an impressive 42.9 megapixel high resolution mode, while the Backlight Correction HDR feature dramatically increases the detail in the shadow and highlight areas. Beginners shouldn't be scared off the HX7V either, as Sony's excellent hand-holding Intelligent Auto modes are as effective as the competition's.

In addition to the excellent still images, the Sony HX7V offers full 1080i video recording. You can use the 10x zoom during recording, sound is stereo rather than mono, and the AVCHD format ensures that file sizes don't get out of control. The built-in GPS also works well, unobtrusively and reliably recording your every movement, although the camera takes a few minutes to sync with one or more satellites and the battery life is reduced by around 25% if you leave it constantly switched on. Add in the 3D Sweep Panoramas and 3D Still Images, amazing 10fps burst shooting mode, fantastic 921K dot LCD screen, and a more reasonable price-tag, and it's easy for us to highly recommend the Sony CyberShot DSC-HX7V."

Sony DSC-HX7V Sample Photos on Flickr

Sony DSC-HX7V Camera Reviews Roundup

LetsGoDigital - Oct 13 2011"Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor and are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. Other features include:Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills..." More »

CNET UK - Sep 07 2011"Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor and are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. Other features include:Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills..." More »

CNET US - Aug 04 2011"Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor and are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. Other features include:Full HD 1080@60i with Dual Rec of stills..." More »

Imaging Resource - Jul 30 2011"Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS sensor and are the world's first compact digital still cameras to include 3D Still Image mode for taking 3D images using only one lens and imager. They also have innovative Dual Rec (record) technology, for taking still photos during video capture. The DSC-HX7V is available in black, white, red and blue colors f..." More »

DSC-HX7V 16.2 MP Sony Cyber-Shot Camera, AHE - Jun 01 2014Verified Purchase ( We have had this camera now for about 2 or 3 years. We got it when it first came out. I have liked the camera and have taken a few thousand pictures with it. No Problems with it. I think it takes very good pictures. Its fairly small so its EZ to carry around. Would buy this camera again....

Bought this camera for my girlfriend so she could record a concert, Avid Internet Shopper "Ray" - May 20 2014Verified Purchase ( We found this camera after watching a few youtube videos using this camera to record other concerts. She knew that most camera's microphones would distort loud audio such as that encountered in a live performance. After looking through several youtube videos we zeroed in on this model since it was at a good price and didn't seem to lose audio quali...